Early breast cancer screening is crucial for successful treatment, especially for women at higher risk due to factors such as age and genetics. Symptoms like lumps, changes in breast shape, and skin texture should prompt immediate consultation with a gynecologist, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Methods for diagnosis include mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, and MRIs, with breast cancer classified into five stages to determine treatment approaches.

1. Why go for Early
Breast Cancer
Screening?

2. Introduction
• It is often said that “PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE”.
However, in cases of breast cancer there are numerous inevitable
factors that lead to its onset like aging, genetic disorders and
gender.
• Being a female is a big risk factor as the presence of estrogen and
progesterone can result in breast cancer cells growth.
• In such cases early detection and breast cancer screening goes a
long way in ensuring that the patient can undergo a successful
treatment.
• Breast cancer can be cured completely making it even more
important for women to identify the early signs of this disease.

3. Early Signs of Breast Cancer
1. A lump or a thickening in or near the breast – In most cases the lump is
not painful
2. A lump or thickening in underarm area
3. A change in size or shape of breast
4. A dimple or puckering in skin of the breast
5. Inward pulling of nipple
6. Fluid, other than breast milk, especially if it is bloody
7. Altered skin colour or texture of breast, nipple, areola
8. Dimpling of skin of breast – like a skin of Orange
On the appearance of any of these symptoms, consult an experienced
gynecologist at the earliest. The treatment can be easier and far more
effective when the affected site is small and the cancer has not spread to
surrounding areas.
Also read about Breast Cancer Risk Factors.

4. Breast Cancer Screening
• Breast Cancer can be detected in the early stages with the help
of regular breast cancer screening or mammography.
• Mammograms are X-Ray images of the breasts gives a clear idea as
to which part of the organ is affected.
• Mammograms can even detect these malignant tumors before the
appearance of any symptoms.
• Annual breast examination by a doctor and an annual screening
Mammography is advisable for the females more than 45 years of
age.
• Women who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer, should
consult go for the screening at an early age (after consulting the
doctor).
• The treatment of breast cancer depends on staging of the disease.

5. Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
1. Mammogram
– A mammogram is an X-ray that enables a specialist to examine
the breast tissue for tumours.
– A small dose of iodising radiation produces an image of the
breast tissue.
– It shows not only lumps or specks caused by cancer but also
micro calcifications, lumps due to fatty cells and cysts.
– Further tests are required to confirm the presence of abnormal
cells.

6. Mammography Process for Breast Cancer

7. 2. Breast Ultrasound
– Specialists use penetrating sound waves and their deflection to
create a computerised image of internal breast tissue.
– A breast ultrasound can differentially show a lump of solid mass,
a cyst filled with fluid, or a combination of both.
– While cysts are mostly non-cancerous, a solid lump may indicate
cancerous tumour.
– Breast ultrasound measures the exact size and location of the
lump and the condition of its surrounding tissue.

8. 3. Biopsy
– A biopsy test involves removal of some tissue and fluid from the
suspected area, examination under a microscope and other
tests for presence of cancerous tissue.
– A biopsy report will provide a complete picture of your
situation.
– It includes benign or non-cancerous cells in the lump, type of
tumour, tumour growth rate and grade, receptor status of
tumour, and distance between excised tumour cells and
surrounding normal tissue.
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9. 4. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
– A breast MRI provides a more conclusive evidence and
assessment of the extent of cancer spread.
– Difference can be find between a normal and tumorous breast
tissue using the images generated by the transmission of
magnetic energy and radio .
Read about What happens after Breast Cancer Diagnosis?

10. Stages of Breast Cancer
• The 5 stages are:
– Stage 0: This stage indicates the precancerous condition. When cancer
is detected in this stage, the disease can be cured very easily without
having to undergo extensive procedures.
– Stages 1 & 2: The cancerous growth is restricted to the breast area &
to the lymph nodes in the area near to the breast or armpit.
– Stage 3: The cancer cells have spread from the breast & armpit lymph
nodes to the lymph nodes near to breastbone or collarbone or to the
skin of breast & chest wall.
– Stage 4: The cancer cells have spread from the breast & lymph nodes
to the other organs like lungs, bones, brain, distant lymph nodes and
liver.

11. Contd.
• Based on results of screening, breast cancer can be classified
into 5 types, from Stage 0-4. These stages are determined
based in the spread of cancer and whether it is limited to the
origin site or spread to the surrounding areas.
“Early Detection of Breast Cancer is
the KEY to Survival”

12. • Read complete article here https://blog.credihealth.com/breast-
cancer-screening
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